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Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

The International Private Investigators Union is the only private investigators association in the nation which is an Accredited Business and Member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ Rating.

Feel free to call the office at 406-534-0251, which is answered during the week. If you do not have free long distance, then you can call 800-548-1526 to leave a voice mail message for our team to call you back.

1. INTERNET GUEST FORUM MEMBERSHIP: FREE TO ALL!

Register online by clicking on the button at the top of each page that is titled "Register." However, you must have a working e-mail box to receive your password. Includes access to approximately 16 discussion forums. (Some private forums are not available to Licensed PI's without applying for an upgraded membership).

2. ECONOMY MEMBERSHIP : (Annual - Individual)

Dues average $8.25/month and are billed at $99 for the first year for all licensed private investigators (or trainee interns), attorneys, insurance and legal investigators, process servers, bounty hunters, bail bondsmen, and all other individuals who wish to obtain all IPIU Benefits including:

Dues average about $12.50/month and are billed at $149 only for the first year (renewals as low as $99, which averages $8.25/mo) for all private investigators (or trainee interns), attorneys, insurance and legal investigators, process servers, bounty hunters, bail bondsmen, and all other individuals who wish to obtain all IPIU Benefits including:

FREE PRIORITY Level for PI Assignment Referrals

FREE Private Investigator Business Cards with exclusive IPIU seal or PI Book of the Year (Your choice)

Or, you may call the Membership Department at 800-548-1526 and ask for Renewals.

4. AGENCY ECONOMY MEMBERSHIP: (Available to Agencies only)

Good for your entire office employees. Dues for the first year only are billed at $179, and then the renewal DROPS to as low as $129 per year (depending on how many employees have a PI Union License) and includes an Economy Membership for the owner and Associate Membership applications for all agency employees (see below). This program is also for law firms, insurance companies, private investigative agencies, bail enforcement or bail bond agencies, and all other companies who wish to obtain all of IPIU Agency Office Benefits - including free client & assignment referrals and access to other private forums.

Or you may call the Membership Department at 800-548-1526 and ask for Department 44.

5. AGENCY PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP: (Available to Agencies only)

Good for your entire office staff employees. Dues for the first year only are billed at $249, and then the renewal DROPS to as low as $149 per year (depending on how many employees have a PI Union License) and includes a Professional Membership for the owner and Associate Membership applications for all agency employees (see below). This program is also for law firms, insurance companies, private investigative agencies, bail enforcement or bail bond agencies, and all other companies who wish to obtain all of IPIU Agency Office Benefits - including free client & assignment referrals and access to other private forums.

If you wish to expand your agency market nationwide by sub-contracting or employing referred IPIU members (including licensed PIs) on an as-needed basis, then the Lifetime Corporate Agency Plan is for your agency (including your office employees).

This is an excellent program for agencies who wish to go nationwide without any of the "nationwide expenses" of obtaining local operatives for as-needed short assignments.

To become an Associate Member under your agency's membership, click here: CONTACT IPIU

Or, you may call the Membership Department at 406-534-0251.

Note 1: Additional free memberships are available to appointed moderators, teachers, and other individuals who contribute to the Mission Statement of the Private Investigators Forum. To inquire, Click here: CONTACT IPIU .

* Certain benefits require a current Private Investigators Union Photo Credentials or a regulated state PI License
* All membership accounts are subject to the current Terms of Purchase Agreement, Terms of Use Agreement, the Code of Ethics, and all other attachments.

I've spent quite a bit of time searching various threads & am still a bit confused on the relationship between having a IPIU union plan membership and the Level 1 through Level 4 access system.

ANSWER:

Licensed Private Investigators:

Licensed Private Investigators can choose an annual union plan or membership for as low as $39 per year.

After they post their agreement to their Oath & Code of Ethics on the forum and they provide us an image of their regulated state PI photo License ID, they get immediate Level 4 access to all union benefits and job areas.

I have another question regarding membership? I ordered the Professional Membership, my question is does that include your photo id card? I see in places that you can register online for another price. I am confused, short trip but I would love some help. I already have a finger print clearance card from the state but do not have my mug shot on the front of it.
Thanks
Shirley

To follow up on another answer with more clarity:

1) If a licensed PI applies for membership, he does not need the PI Union License photo ID (although it is available to licensed PI's as an add-on request).

2) If a union member is not a regulated state licensed PI, then they can either obtain their state license or they can apply for IPIU's PI Union License by going to the following link:

IPIU was founded in 1989 for licensed private investigators. All they had to do was choose a union membership plan, and nothing else.

Later, IPIU changed its by-laws to allow unlicensed members if they would apply for the union's PI Union License (Private Investigator Photo-Credentials), which includes a Criminal Records Registration (CRR) and photos.

Therefore, for licensed PI's there is only one item to request (a union membership plan for as low as $39 to $99 per year). For unlicensed PI's there is one extra item, which is the one-time set-up amount of $89.

Nevertheless, after the first year ALL union members who renew just have the single union membership plan to choose. The PI Union License (photo credentials) are included at no further cost on renewals.

Originally Posted by Rafael J Ramos

Just want to ask I already paid $99.25 for my back ground check and photo ID. Do I still need to pay another $99.00 to be a member? Or is this included in the $99.25? I am a little fuzzy on that part of the deal. Thank you for your help in this.

ANSWER:

Rafael, if an applicant has a regulated State PI License, then all they do is choose a union membership plan from the the PI Store, which is good for a whole year.

If an applicant does not have a regulated State PI License, then they can request the PI Union License (the IPIU Photo Credentials) to be issued in their name and is honored by all union agencies and companies, as well as others who require a 3rd party photo ID. Once an applicant requests the PI Union License, it is good for life as long as they maintain their membership renewals.

If you have not chosen your union plan, you can do so now by clicking on the secured link. It will save you a month in remaining processing.

When I signed up to be a PI I thought it was only 1 price to pay which was the 1st payment of $89.

Now that I have my credentials we have to pay again? Can someone help me why? What was the purpose for the $89? I thought it included everything w/ membership as well. Is this really worth your money being spent?

[REVISED & UPDATED 04-07-2014]

Thank you Rosana for your questions.

Option 1:

State licensed private investigators who join the International Private Investigators Union (IPIU) typically only pay their annual membership dues plan (which can presently be either $39.99 to $69.99 for each year, depending on the benefits they choose). All that is required is proof of a regulated state issued PI License that monitors their professional conduct while performing assignments.

Option 2:

For newcomers who do not have a state issued PI license, they can choose a membership only plan at $99.99 or at $149.99 for the first year, with both plans renewing the following year at $99.99 . Once the newcomer chooses their membership plan, then they can add the $89.25 setup amount, either the same day or within 30 days, to acquire their PI Union License (the IPIU Private Investigator Photo Credentials). The PI Union License is reissued at no cost each year when the member pays their annual membership renewal invoice on the date due. If the PI Union License is all that you have paid, then IPIU would bill you for the union membership plan of your choosing.

Now that you have your PI Union License, they are good for a lifetime, as long as you retain your union affiliation in good standing through the $99 annual renewal payment each year.

When IPIU was founded in 1989, we structured the newcomer renewal package of annual membership and PI Union License to cost no more than $99 per year.

As of the date of this post, we have served over 80,000+ fraternal union members worldwide, many of which are active and retired federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who also perform private investigations.

Since IPIU was founded as a non-profit union association in 1989 and later formally incorporated, there has never been a single record of any complaint against IPIU or its officers or its board of directors by any federal, state or local government authority or attorney general.

The only item in over 25 years of serving tens of thousands of private investigators were three (3) courtesy refunds. Of the remaining faithful 80,000+ members, they have posted their IPIU actual experiences on our public website using their real first and last names, and real locations at the following public link:

There are additional options for undercover operatives, law enforcement, or government employees who can choose to request a user name change after we verify their true credentials.

Don Merritt, our 1995-2005 union president, was also a speech writer for President George W. Bush. IPIU is certainly not without its fair share of critics, but some have been seen as politically motivated because of what Mr. Merritt has done for President Bush, even though his work for the White House had no conflict-of-interest with the affairs of the International Private Investigators Union (which is not a political union).

If after reading the above links and factual items you find any internet links to legitimate law enforcement or government sites that raise concerns, please email them to contact.team@ipiu.org so they can see what the issue is, or to determine if it is just a "fictional opinion".

And last, if you have an approved User Name and passcode, then you already agreed to the following Oath, Code of Ethics, Mission Statement, and Terms of Use Agreement:

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Originally Posted by Nina Conway

Hi James Bone,you were join IPIU in Oct. 2006, and you have posed 132 , that's very impressive. You said the management membership is worth much more than the economy membership. What are the benefits about?

Once Shopping Cart comes up, choose NEW CUSTOMER (unless you are a returning customer).

Thank you for your interest in joining our fraternal union!

Originally Posted by Joshua Watson

I wanted to say that i would have to strongly agree about everything said above,about how great it is to be with IPIU. I have been with IPIU for only a few months, ive done three assignments going on four. I recieved my PI Union License and am wondering which plan to start with. I'm in Finance and Real Estate going on 7yrs. Always wanted to do some type of law enforcement. I heard great things about IPIU an they have all been true. On that note i really want to get my career going as a PI an making some money. What plan would be best for me? Thanks everyone for being so kind an helpful.

The short answer is to invest the extra $49 for a Professional Plan, because the renewal next year is the same as the Economy Plan! That way you save $50 on all the renewals, but you get the benefits of the Professional Plan.

Originally Posted by Carl Scheck

So if I understand this right, after we pay the $99 per year membership, we pay another $89 setup amount for our PI Union License? Just making sure so I know what to expect.

No, as long as you have either a previous issued PI Union License and you are renewing your annual membership on time. Or if you already have a regulated state license, then the PI Union License is an option. If not, then you can choose the one-time PI Union License amount now.

Originally Posted by Carl Scheck

And does this get charged on the credit card also at the same time as the 99$.

No. You have to approve any second charge. Or you can simply choose a Package Plan which includes both.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

I'm just wondering is the life time membership still available? I am interested in it as long as paying half one month and the other half the next. Thank you for your reply.

Yes, the $699.99 Personal Lifetime Professional Management Membership is still available, as well as the Lifetime Corporate Membership (which includes three personal lifetime memberships for those employed by the corporation), and if you call the office at 406-534-0251 (or leave a voice mail for a call-back) - they can make payment arrangements.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Originally Posted by Maria Walker

I am trying to understand the memberships, please tell me if I am correct on any of this. Once you register on new members forum, you automatically get Level 1 access, and in order to move to the next levels you have to choose a plan; is this correct?

Yes.

For new members with a regulated state issue PI License, they can choose any of the plans. As soon as their license is verified and they post their Code of Ethics Agreement and Introduction, they go right to Level 4.

For new members without a state issued PI License, they can ADD to their union plan the PI Union License (which is a one-time amount to set up and is free every year when they renew their plan on time. For these members, they can go to Level 2 or 3 pending the paperwork completion before going to Level 4.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

I have only one question, and that is if I want to upgrade my economy preferred plan to professional member plan what will the upgrade cost ?? is it reduced, or do I still pay the full amount ??

The difference between Package 1 and Package 2 is $50. If you ordered Package 2 within the last 30 days, then you can upgrade for $50 to Package 1.

If your Package 2 order is older than 30 days (Prior to May 4th), then the upgrade is 79.88 (which includes developing your free web page and ordering your free business cards, and qualifying for as much as 45% discount on selected PI Store items.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

If I were to sign up for Package #1 or #2, how long would it take to get the PI Union License?

Answer: Approved Members of IPIU who purchase the Package 1 or Package 2 generally receive their Level 3 download link within 48 business hours, which includes the online documents to print and mail into the office for the PI Union License. Mail time to the office is 5-7 days, and PI Union License Data is processed within one week. Once processed, the card is batched with other orders from the manufacturer and is usually sent out by first class mail in 20 days. If an approved member has already past their online manual test and their PI Union License has been ordered, we generally upgrade the approved member to Level 4 for Assignment Benefits and Instructions.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

I have a question, when I apply for Union Membership with online training, will it satisfiy Illinois Department Professional Regulation requirements? I already have myP.E.R.C card but I have not forfilled the 20hours of training needed.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Originally Posted by Avis Terry

I have a question, when I apply for Union Membership with online training, will it satisfiy Illinois Department Professional Regulation requirements? I already have myP.E.R.C card but I have not forfilled the 20hours of training needed.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Can members with a corporation plan hire other members? Since we are not supposed to personally communicate, how does this work?

There is a Lifetime Corporate Membership, which requires the member to also have a corporation.

And there are regular memberships (billed annually), where members can choose to incorporate themselves.

When either of the above wishes to hire IPIU members, all they have to do is use the CONTACT US at the bottom of this page and choose the option titled "I want to Hire a private investigator", and type what the details of the job and earnings to be paid. IPIU will then contact its members in order to apply, or IPIU may place a blind classified ad in the Jobs Forums.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Originally Posted by admin

Rosana, private investigators who join the union only pay their annual union dues (which is only one payment that can be as low as $99 a year). All that is required is proof of either a state issued PI License or some other form of photo ID that monitors your professional conduct while performing assignments.

If you do not have a state issued PI License, then you can request the union's license (the IPIU Private Investigator Photo Credentials) to be issued in your name for a lifetime amount of $89.25. If that is what you requested, then IPIU would bill you for the union plan of your choosing.

Now that you have your credentials, they are good for a lifetime (as long as you retain your union affiliation in good standing).

According to this and I have read it 3 times the ID is supposed to be for a lifetime, and all you pay is your yearly fee of $99 for your level fee. When I called last week, I was told my ID had expired, though I had paid my dues in March. Did I miss something??? If the ID is paid once and good for a lifetime, as I claims above, then how does it expire when you are paid??

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Originally Posted by Barb Walsh

According to this and I have read it 3 times the ID is supposed to be for a lifetime, and all you pay is your yearly fee of $99 for your level fee. When I called last week, I was told my ID had expired, though I had paid my dues in March. Did I miss something??? If the ID is paid once and good for a lifetime, as I claims above, then how does it expire when you are paid??

Sorry, Barb, for the lack of clarity.

In the post you referenced (dated approximately 8 years ago), we did not offer lifetime memberships or have a discounted licensed PI membership then. So I have revised the original post so that you can see with more clarity what Admin was attempting to write. Go here:http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthrea...865#post381865

Also, you have two (2) separate accounts: You have an annual membership account which renews each year for $99, and you have a corporation license account with the Secretary of State which also renews each year of $99.

I will ask the office to modify their invoices to you each year to make sure you can see which account they are billing for.

Re: Seven (7) PI Union Memberships!

Hello everyone! I took a long hiatus from doing investigative work, and well, a masters a doctorate later, I am back to do this part time! I enjoyed the experience, the support, the money, the knowledge and skills attained. I received my license. Thank you!

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